Former United States President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday at the US National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, describing her as a “very respected” Christian leader.
During his remarks, Trump noted that the First Lady of Nigeria also serves as a Christian pastor at the country’s largest church and commended her reputation and influence.
“We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. Very respected woman,” Trump said.
“First Lady, please. Where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too. Thank you.”
Tinubu’s attendance at the high-profile event is seen as part of Nigeria’s use of soft power on the international stage. This comes months after Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged persecution of Christians, a decision that sharply strained relations between Abuja and Washington.
After the redesignation, Trump also warned of possible military action in Africa’s most populous nation, citing concerns over religious freedom. The Nigerian government strongly dismissed the allegations, maintaining that insecurity in the country stems from terrorism, banditry, and organised criminal networks rather than religious persecution.
In response to the CPC designation, Nigerian officials stepped up diplomatic engagements with the United States, seeking to challenge genocide claims and reassure Washington of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting citizens of all faiths.
These efforts culminated in a significant security development on Christmas Day, when the federal government confirmed US airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area in Sokoto State.
The strikes represented the first publicly acknowledged US military action on Nigerian soil. The government said the operation targeted terrorist enclaves and recorded no civilian casualties.
Beyond security collaboration, Nigeria has also intensified efforts to manage its image in Washington.
In December, the federal government, through Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, hired DCI Group, a Washington-based consulting and lobbying firm, under an initial six-month contract worth $4.5 million, with monthly payments of $750,000, according to filings with the US Department of Justice.
The documents indicate that a similar sum would be due if the contract is renewed for another six months.
Under the agreement, DCI Group is mandated to brief US government officials on Nigeria’s actions to protect both Christians and Muslims, counter genocide allegations, and sustain US support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations across West Africa.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
